Cape Town’s Mayor, Geordin HillLewis, is urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to clarify the National Government’s stance on the devolution of passenger rail services to capable metros. The call comes amid contradictory statements from Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, who suggests that current plans don’t involve devolving rail operations to the City of Cape Town. This contradicts the Cabinet policy decision to devolve rail, which raises questions about the National Government’s commitment to the issue.
The Thaba Chweu Local Municipality recently celebrated the graduation of 20 learners from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). These learners successfully completed their landscaping training and received certificates of competence. The Executive Mayor of Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, Honourable Councillor M.F. Nkadimeng, urged the graduates to use their newly acquired skills to establish businesses and create employment opportunities for others in their communities.
Cape Town is making strides towards becoming Africa’s premier business destination, with a substantial decrease in unemployment. The city’s Mayor, Geordin HillLewis, credits this achievement to maintaining the lowest unemployment rate across the metros. However, there is still work to be done to drive further economic growth, alleviate poverty, and create additional job opportunities.
Infrastructure development is a critical aspect of economic growth, creating job opportunities and paving the way for increased economic opportunities and an improved quality of life. In this regard, two significant infrastructure projects in George, South Africa, are set to revolutionize life for local residents: the Gwaing Road upgrade and the Metro Grounds housing project.
The Minister of Finance Enoch Gondongwana presented the National Treasury of South Africa’s Budget Vote for the 2023/24 financial year, highlighting the government’s efforts to foster higher and more inclusive economic growth, address fiscal vulnerability, and stabilize public finances. The total allocated budget for the National Treasury amounts to R34.9 billion, with 85% allocated to transfers and subsidies.
South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, has provided insights into the country’s mining and energy sectors. In this article, we discuss the progress, achievements, challenges, and investments within these industries. ### Universal Access to Electricity
On May 16th, Minister Maropene Ramokgopato and Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana led a monitoring visit to the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone in the Western Cape Province. Their objective was to evaluate socioeconomic catalytic projects within the zone and ensure that they are on track to drive economic progress.
Cape Town is taking bold steps towards embracing the growth of the mobile business sector, with an initiative that allows residents to shape its future. From May 15 to June 15, 2023, the City is inviting the public to weigh in on the proposed locations for 69 mobile business trading areas that would cater to food trucks, trailers, and other portable services. This initiative is a crucial step in the City’s plan to support various business sectors and stimulate economic growth.
On 14th May 2023, the City of Cape Town announced a new initiative aimed at providing convenient access to various city services and assistance from City officials. The initiative includes the deployment of a Mobile Office in Khayelitsha and the Basket of Services at Lentegeur’s Civic Centre.
The launch of the Maitland Mews Social Housing Project in Cape Town represents a significant development in addressing apartheid spatial planning and supporting the government’s mandate to create jobs and stimulate the economy in South Africa. ### Minister Kubayi highlights the crucial role of the social housing sector
The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) has welcomed the Competition Commission’s conditional approval for the strategic equity partner transaction between South African Airways (SAA) and Takatso Aviation Proprietary Limited. This deal will result in Takatso acquiring a 51% shareholding in the airline, which is a significant turning point for the revitalization process of SAA.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile of South Africa warmly received Colombian Vice President Francia Elena Márquez during her official visit to the country. This historic meeting marked the first highlevel engagement between the two nations since the establishment of diplomatic relations, signifying a significant milestone in their bilateral relationship.
Cape Town Launches Ease of Doing Business Index to Streamline Infrastructure Investment and Economic Growth
The city of Cape Town is taking significant steps towards improving its business environment by launching the Ease of Doing Business Index. The initiative is a response to feedback from the private sector, which identified the ten critical indicators required for the city to improve. The ten indicators will track the ease of doing business in the city, with a focus on facilitating infrastructure investment and economic growth.
The Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP) is an initiative designed to provide support to small businesses operating in rural and township areas of South Africa. The program focuses on designated groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities, offering them developmental support to improve their competitiveness and sustainability.
South African farmers have been facing the consequences of drought for the past few years, and the current shortage of animal vaccines poses more threats to their livelihood. The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Ivan Meyer, emphasized the urgency of the situation in response to a statement from the Red Meat Producers Organization’s National Chairperson, James Faber.
The Africa’s Travel Indaba, held on May 10th, 2023, in Durban, provided an exceptional platform for stakeholders in the tourism industry to collaborate and establish meaningful connections. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Fish Mahlalela, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of networking and addressing skills shortages in the hospitality and tourism services sector.